Preparing Your Home for Severe Weather

Over fifty percent of homeowners are worried that severe weather will damage their homes, according to a LendingTree survey.*

While you can't control the weather, there are steps you can take to prepare your home for severe weather:
 

• Create a home inventory. Be sure to go through your home and document your possessions. That way, you know what needs to be replaced if something happens. For more information on home inventories, read our blog on the subject.
• Perform simple lawn and home maintenance. By keeping your yard in quality condition and trimming trees in a timely manner, you can save yourself and your home during storm season. Be sure to clean your gutters on a consistent basis to make sure water can drain properly. Also, cut down overhanging tree branches and remove any trees or branches that are too close to your home.
• Be prepared with the essentials. Make sure you have an emergency kit in your house. Your kit should include items such as batteries, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, canned food, bottled water, blankets, extra clothes, important medications, and don’t forget about your pet’s needs if you have one.
• Know where you are going. Have a plan with your family on what to do during a severe storm. Decide on a meeting place and practice your plan. Also, discuss what you would do if you were on the road or at work.

Most importantly, keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way. Get your family to your determined safe place and stay there until the danger has passed. Also, contact your local independent insurance agent today to make sure you have the necessary coverage in place for your home or apartment!

*https://www.lendingtree.com/insurance/climate-change-survey/